Smoke from condensing boiler

[pixelchick10]

Hi all -- my neighbour's installed a new condensing boiler - and the vent is right beside our boundary on our terraced houses but nearly 2m from the edge of our back window (my young daughter's bedroom). Still the plume of smoke regularly wafts across that window so that it's a real nuisance . The installer said the discharge is safe - is that true? I've already flagged up the problem to them - is there anything they can easily do to sort the problem so we're all happy? Any advice gratefully received. Cheers.

 

[Steve69the69Gas]

Hi,

Ask them to fit a plume management kit - it diverts the products normally upwards.

 

[bhm1712]

rather than smoke, it will be steam coming from the flue, the bad parts of the exhaust in the form of condensate (acidic) are tapped off into a drain sometimes with limestone or equivalent to neutralise the acid before being released to the environment so as not to degrade components of the drainage systems!

all in all, id say it was safe, and really just a nuisance rather than a danger!

 

[gas4you]

The flue must be at least 600mm from your boundary if facing it and at least 300mm if parallel to it.

If not it is an illegal installation without some form of plume management kit.

 

[Agile]

The draft Building Regulations which they work to say that the discharge should be over 2.5m of land which you own!

In addition it should not cause a nuisence. But a nuisence is not deemed to occur if its discharged over 2.5m of the boiler owner's land.

Its not harmful but as you describe it, it could be classes as a nuisence as its apparently only discharged over 1m of the boiler owner's land if the boiundary is down the middle.

You can also complain to CORGI if they will not fit the plume diverter.

Tony

 

[pixelchick10]

Thanks all really appreciate your useful comments - yes Tony - the discharge just seems to waft over our window or else go straight out at right angles to our window (ie then not a nuisance) depending on which way the wind is blowing. Doesn't seem to go near their window (which is to the left of the vent as you face it ). It's right on the edge of their boundary as you will see in this pic. I did have a word with them last weds and and ask them to fit something to divert the smoke - so far no action taken! though guess it's early days

Untitled

• pixelchick10
• 17 Feb 2009
• 1

 

[ant954]

from my *ahem* warmfront days, the flue looks like its an Ideal boiler so the plume shouldnt cause a problem for long anyway

 

[pixelchick10]

ant thanks for that does the plume lessen then once the boilers established? Sorry to ask such basic questions ... I'm lucky that youre all experts

 

[Steve69the69Gas]

No,

He means 'cos it's an Ideal - it won't last long hehe

 

[pixelchick10]

ah wont ever go for one of those then

 

[Agile]

from your last posting I am beginning to think that you are beside the flue rather than opposite!

Do you mean that the window on the right is yours?

Some installers do extend the flue further from the wall when its under a wide eaves overhang.

Its difficult to form a view if thats more correctbin that situation but it would result in less steam ( not smoke ) wafting harmlessly past your window.

Can you post a picture taken showing the flue from the side?

Tony

 

[pixelchick10]

Hi Tony - yes the window on the right by the sat dish is mine - just waiting to charge the camera battery up then will post a pic from the side.

Thanks for all your advice

 

[Tipper]

Is that drain pipe on the boundary between the two houses? If so then the flue could be too close to you house, ie less than the required 300mm away.

 

[pixelchick10]

Hi there Tipper yes the drain pipe runs up the boundary and the flu is next to it so does that legally need a plume management kit? Thanks

 

[D_Hailsham]

The draft? Building Regulations which they work to say that the discharge should be over 2.5m of land which you own!

When were draft regs issued? Can you give me a URL?